MISCHIEF IN MAGGODY

by Joan Hess ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 23, 1988

Maggody, Ark., has 775 inhabitants, most of them just this side of certifiable, judging by the newest adventure of police-chief Arly Hanks (Murder in Maggody). Arly, divorced ex-Manhattanite, has returned from vacation to find some newcomers in residence: psychic Madame Celeste and her parasitic, sweet-talking brother Mason; a clutch of hippies who've opened a general store and talk mantras and cosmic harmony, excepting nasty Nate, who can't wait to hit the road; and handsome high-school guidance teacher David Wainright. There's also a gift for Arly, from Hizzoner Mayor Jim Bob Buchanon--a beeper for her to wear at all times--in lieu of a requested new deputy. None of this is any help, unfortunately, when the body of local prostitute Robin Buchanon (the town is rife with inbred Buchanons) is found near her backwoods cabin, victim of a booby-trap set in a patch of marijuana, her four foul-mouthed, near-savage children untended. Arly, distributing the kids between the Mayor's sanctimonious wife (called Mizzoner) and her own mother Ruby Bee (owner of Ruby Bee's Bar and Grill), sets up a lone vigil at the death scene, hoping to catch the growers when they harvest the ripened crop. She's outsmarted, however, and it takes another killing--and a lot of other local happenings--before she figures out how and who. A plot that's minimally involving, with the zany denizens of Maggody a lively lot--though one mightn't want them for neighbors. The author's tone of wry affection and lightly detached wonder at their foibles and follies is just right. Bawdy, cheerful entertainment.

Pub Date: Aug. 23, 1988

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: St. Martin's

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1988

Categories: FICTION